Happy Canada Day

[greatcyber]

To my fellow Canadians, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and thanks for accepting me into your wonderful country. Since moving here I have been moved by the profound empathy and acceptance by the country and her citizens.

As this is my first Canada Day, I have been watching the festivities in Ottawa and have to admit that I find it very emotional.

I look forward to the day three years hence when I may become a citizen of this fine country.

It is amazing to me to see the advertisements on television about putting yourself into others' shoes and imagine what it must be like, i.e. I am an immigrant when...I am a senior citizen when...I am a woman when...I am disabled when... It is all a very new concept to me.

From the moment years ago when I came here to be married and was greeted with a hearty "congratulations" from the big, burley Customs Officer to the granting of my first visitor's visa, I have felt nothing but acceptance and genuine caring from everyone I have encountered...again, a very new experience for me.

As the national anthem played on television a tear came to my eye and I have found a new pride that is hard to put into words. It is so nice to have put the hypocracy behind me.

Being a veteran and a retired federal worker from the "greatest superpower in the world" didn't guarantee me the freedoms that were supposedly granted by the Bill of Rights and the Constitution of the US. I shall always retain my US citizenship, but now feel 100% Canadian and happy to be in an inclusive society where everyone is a Canadian, without distinction. No African-Canadians, nor Cuban or anything hyphenated...Just everyone a proud Canadian. What a marvelous concept!

Humbly,

Stephen

Thanks to www.freefever.com for the animated image.

[Contratrombone64]

Happy Canada day to all my friends in the cold north!

[greatcyber]

Thanks, mate...but it's really not cold here now. It's quite pleasant, actually.

[Contratrombone64]

Hey, I didn't see your similar thread in the other section, sorry to have doubled up or stolen your thunder.

[greatcyber]

It's not a problem. Thanks for the sentiment.

[rojo]

Happy Canada Day to you too, greatcyber. Glad you like it here; so do I.

And thanks, CT64.

[Contratrombone64]

*sings "Oh Canada"* to Rojo (falsetto, of course).

[rojo]

Ooh, that was nice! Love the falsetto.

[intet_at_tabe]

Miss rojo and greatcyber.

In honor of that great country to the North - Canada, found by the Danish Vikings 500 years prior to the discovery of The New World done by Christopher Columbus:


Canadian
National Anthem


O Canada!

If music doesn't start within a few seconds, Click Here


Official Lyrics
(English)

O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

(French)
O Canada! Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux.
Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix.
Ton histoire est une épopée,
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

[greatcyber]

Thanks, Intet~I appreciated it.

[marval]

To all Canadians and people who live there, a happy Canada day.


MY CANADA

I came as a tourist, for the chance to look and stare
I leave you now a pilgrim, my heart forever there.
It was somewhere in the Rockies, that my conversion came,
In that land of rugged splendour, above Alberta's plains.


I ask myself just what it was, that stole my Aussie heart,
I wish that I could tell you, but I don't know where to start.
It wasn't just the people, 'tho we are much alike,
It wasn't just the mountains, 'tho they're a mighty sight.


Was there something in the swirling mist, of Niagara's mighty falls?
I know for certain that there was, but I know now that's not all.
I've seen St. Marie amongst the Huron's, and felt a stiffening in my spine,
I've paddled on Lac Poisson Blanc, surrounded by a million pines.


I've seen the shores of Newfoundland, and gazed out on cape Spear,
Strong wind and fog both raged at me, and shouted, "You're welcome here".
I've seen the lights of Harbour grace, and felt peace at Hearts Content,
I've stood where once John Cabot did, and thought it time well-spent.


I've felt my heart strings stirring, on Nova Scotian shores,
And pictured scenes of freedoms fight, as I battled at Fort Louisbourg.
I've stood in awe and watched the sight, of Truro's tidal bore,
And marveled at the gifts from God, that I've seen on Canadian shores.


Prince Edward Island was a place, where nature's gifts bestowed,
In fields of colored parchment, a multi-hewed tableau.
I've been to lots of places, I'm an Aussie, I'm true blue,
But those memories flood back to me, and then I think of you.


I've sung your song "Oh Canada", and stood up strong and true,
Those stirring words make my blood surge, and then I think of you.
I've walked the walls of old Quebec, and wept where Montcalm died,
I've climbed the heights of Mont Royale, and felt you by my side.


I admire the stand your people take, on differing points of view,
You're a land of strong rich heritage, that blend to make you, you.
And now my time has come and gone, these thoughts and words I share,
That I must leave Canadian shores, is almost more than I can bare.


'Tho I came here as a tourist, for the chance to look and stare,
I leave you now a pilgrim, my heart forever there.
But the day will come when I'll be back, of this I have no doubt,
My Aussie heart will surge again, with passion so devout.

Terry Martin (© 1997)

[Contratrombone64]

Margaret - that's wonderful, shows a lot more diligence than simply dishing up the national anthem!

[marval]

Thank you CT.

A nice poem from an Aussie who visited Canada, and obviously liked it.


Margaret

[greatcyber]

That was truly inspirational and beautiful. I can't wait to explore more of this wondrous country.

Stephen

[Contratrombone64]

Never heard of Terry Martin, but with a population of 20 million, it's hardly surprising. His/her sentiment is very touching, I shared that with a Candian in my office in Sydney, she said "You make me cry in the office and I'll ..."